elfin

adjective

ˈel-fən How to pronounce elfin (audio)
Definition of elfinnext
as in charismatic
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract the heroine in the story has an elfin beauty that men find irresistible

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of elfin Meanwhile, as Hjalmar’s 14-year-old daughter, Hedvig, the elfin Maaike Laanstra-Corn is delivering yet another wonderfully eccentric embodiment of a high-strung tween with a potentially perilous excess of imagination. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2025 Numerous species are commercially available, from the culinary classic common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) to colorful flowering groundcovers such as elfin thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and creeping thyme (Thymus praecox). — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025 In a series of illustrated stories, Lung describes the Labubu as an elfin creature. — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025 The look is elfin, but less shaggy than an elfish cut, often pulled off with a mod, micro-cut bang instead. — Essence, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elfin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elfin
  1. charismatic
  2. charming
  3. appealing
  4. attractive
  5. enchanting
  6. seductive
Adjective
  • The warm and charismatic straight-shooter, who has clocked 20 years in the biz, has no qualms with exposing the inner workings of what can be a highly secretive industry.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2026
  • He was admired by some as a charismatic statesman who put Italy on the world stage but reviled by others as a populist who used political power for personal gain.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of charismatic
Adjective
  • The Sprocket is a charming and efficient pocket-sized printer that uses ZINK zero-ink technology to output your smartphone photos, Polaroid-style, on special paper.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Café Nizza is a charming spot in Södermalm with impeccably unfussy dishes and fun bottles.
    — Riza Cruz, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of charming
Adjective
  • In the eyes of powerful players such as Europe and the United States, Brazil was an appealing place for investment and a growing force in multilateral diplomacy.
    — MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Any growth initiatives had to be funded through partners’ capital – hardly an appealing prospect for those same partners – which resulted in a long period of low growth into new business lines.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of appealing
Adjective
  • The radiant setting is especially attractive to affluent couples from across Asia as well as the US, Australia, and Europe.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • McMahon also urged schools to introduce hands-on learning much earlier, including virtual welding and electronics programs that can make technical work feel tangible and attractive to younger students.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of attractive
Adjective
  • And Kikuchi, floating through the film on a wave of quiet emotion, creates in its final scene an enchanting portrait of joy.
    — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Lifeline’s production team creates an enchanting backdrop for the children’s adventures.
    — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of enchanting
Adjective
  • As Batiba, Slate’s borderline baby voice walks a nimble line between seductive and menacing, but Manny Jacinto is the real scene-stealer as a literal baby demon.
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Reframing one of literature’s most iconic heroines, the novel positions Van Tassel not as a romantic prize but as the central figure in a dangerous mystery and seductive supernatural love triangle.
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of seductive

Browse Nearby Words

elf
elfin
elfish
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elfin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elfin. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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